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Broad Mites
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Broad mites are minuscule pests that infest cannabis plants, making them incredibly difficult to spot without magnification. Even under a microscope, they are challenging to detect. Their size and elusive nature often lead to confusion with other plant issues such as heat stress, overwatering, pH imbalance, or root problems. The symptoms they cause are not uniform throughout the plant but concentrated in specific areas of infestation. Twisted or drooping new growth, blistered or "wet" looking leaves, and upward curling of leaf edges are common signs. During the flowering stage, buds may become sickly and die.
Cause of Issue
◉ Broad mites infest cannabis plants and lay their eggs inside, making it arduous to eradicate their eggs effectively. They are adept at hiding and waiting for the opportune moment to multiply.
Symptoms
◉ Bugs are too small to be seen with the naked eye
◉ Young mites have six legs, while adults have eight
◉ Twisted or drooping new growth
◉ Blistered or "wet" looking leaves
◉ Upward curling of leaf edges
◉ Uneven distribution of symptoms depending on the concentrated infestation area
◉ Browning and death of buds during flowering
Corrective Actions
◉ Immediate removal of infected plant parts: Carefully remove and discard the affected portions of the plant to prevent the infestation from spreading further.
◉ Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural remedy that can be effective against broad mites. Use a mister to spray all the leaves evenly, ensuring complete coverage. Note that neem oil may leave an undesirable taste or smell on buds, and some evidence suggests it may be harmful to humans.
◉ Essentria IC3: This organic insecticide, composed of horticultural oils, is safe for humans and can be effective against broad mites when used regularly. Spray the leaves evenly with a mister. It remains effective for approximately eight hours, so daily application or combination with other treatments may be necessary.
◉ Insecticidal soaps: Fatty acid salts or insecticidal soaps weaken the outer shell of broad mites. They are safe to use on plants and do not leave much residue. Proper coverage is vital, as the soap does not remain on the plant for long. Supplementing other treatments with insecticidal soaps can be beneficial.
◉ Avid: Avid miticide, though expensive and containing harsh chemicals, can be effective when other treatments fail. It is a systemic insecticide, infiltrating plant tissue to eliminate pests. Avoid using it during the flowering stage to prevent its presence in the buds.
◉ Forbid: Similar to Avid, Forbid is a systemic insecticide suitable for use several weeks before the flowering stage. It can be an effective option but should be used sparingly and alternated with other treatments to prevent mite resistance.
◉ Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the top layer of soil and around the growing area. This fossil dust is harmless to plants and mammals but sharp enough to dehydrate and tear broad mites upon contact.
◉ Heat: Broad mites dislike temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Some growers employ methods such as dunking small plants or clones in hot water (105°F / 40°C) for 10-20 minutes or overheating the grow space to 115°F (46°C) for an hour. Be cautious, as excessive heat can harm plants and pose safety risks.
◉ Predatory Mites: Introduce predatory mites, such as Neoseiulus, to help control broad mite populations
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